Atlas Claims InsightsPublished 9 October 2026 · Reviewed 14 October 2026 · 4 min readKey takeaways
- Check whether the provider handles B2B debts only, or consumer debts that need FCA authorisation.
- Ask exactly how fees are calculated and which third-party costs could arise.
- Confirm that recovered money is paid to you directly or through a protected account.
- Look for disciplined preparation, clear escalation routes and transparent regulatory status.
Appointing someone to recover money for your business, or to deal with a claim against it, puts your cash, your relationships and your reputation in their hands. These questions help you choose well.
The ten questions
- Do you act only for businesses? Consumer debt collection in the UK requires FCA authorisation. A B2B specialist should be clear about its scope.
- Are you a law firm? If not, how do you work with solicitors when court action or legal advice is needed?
- How exactly are fees calculated? Success fee, fixed fee or retainer, and on what amounts.
- Which other costs could arise? Solicitors, surveyors, local agents, translators, and whether your approval is needed first.
- Where is the money paid? Directly to you, or through a protected client account.
- How do you handle disputed debts? Many agencies decline them; a commercial claims firm should welcome them.
- What is your experience in our sector? Shipping, trading and construction disputes each have their own rules.
- Can you act across borders? And with whom do you work locally?
- How will you protect our reputation? Firm, fair negotiation, with no harassment or empty threats.
- How will we be kept informed? Reporting, approvals and who your point of contact is.
Warning signs
- Vague fee terms or reluctance to put them in writing.
- Promises of guaranteed results.
- Unclear regulatory status.
- Pressure to sign before your documents have been reviewed.
Our answers: we act for businesses only, we are not a law firm and say so clearly, our fee is agreed in writing after a free review, third-party costs need your approval, and recovered funds are paid directly to you unless agreed otherwise.
Quick answers
Does a B2B debt recovery firm need to be regulated?
In the UK, consumer debt collection requires FCA authorisation; purely business-to-business recovery generally does not. Ask any provider to explain its status.
How are debt recovery fees usually charged?
Commonly as a success fee on amounts recovered, a fixed fee for defined work, or a retainer, sometimes combined.
Need help with a specific matter? Send us the documents for a free, confidential review, or message us on WhatsApp at any hour on +44 7429 535705. Start a case review.
This guide is general information about the law of England and Wales as at October 2026. It is not legal advice and may not cover your situation. Atlas Claims is not a law firm; for advice on your legal rights or on litigation, consult a qualified solicitor.
